Monthly Archives: July 2015

Manchester United to show Victor Valdes the exit door this summer

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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has recently confirmed Spanish goalkeeper Victor Valdes will be leaving the club this summer after refusing to play in the reserves. He still has 12 months left on his current deal, so Van Gaal is likely to put him up for sale to find him a new club.

The former Barcelona shot-stopper, 33, signed for the Red Devils in January 2015, and spent the remainder of the campaign as No.2 to first-choice David De Gea. With the latter linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, Valdes would have been expecting to replace him, but he was omitted from the squad’s pre-season tour to America.

“He is not selected because he doesn’t follow our philosophy, and there is no place for that one player. Philosophy is how you play football and how you maintain your match rhythm. For example, he refused last year to play in the second team. That is one aspect of our philosophy,” the Dutchman revealed.

“There are a lot of other aspects of how you have to play like a goalkeeper at Manchester United. When you are not willing to follow the principles then there is only one way and that is out. It is a big disappointment because we have given him the opportunity to rehabilitate, gave him a contract and then he is fit to play.”

Valdes is sure to be inundated with offers this summer, given that the Spanish international has been nursed back to fitness at Old Trafford. It was a short stay in England, which saw him make just a handful of senior team appearances in his debut campaign, but the former Catalan will be desperate to play at the top level again.

His impressive CV shows what kind of a player another club could be signing, with the 33-year-old having won six league titles and three Champions League trophies, among many others at the Nou Camp. Despite such a sterling reputation in the game, United weren’t going to rush him back into the fray so soon. It’s such lack of activity, coupled with the request to play for the reserves, that sees Valdes now looking for a suitor ahead of the new season.

A lot of clubs will make approaches for his services ahead of the new campaign, but his eventual destination is unknown. Valdes’ inevitable exit could see United needing two goalkeepers in the coming weeks should De Gea move to Real, and Van Gaal further admitted his annoyance in the Spaniard not adhering to the club’s philosophy. “If you do not play in the first team, our philosophy is to play in the second team and he did not do that.”

AS Roma’s Radja Nainggolan commits long-term future to the Giallorossi

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AS Roma and Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan has ended weeks of speculation about his future with the Italian outfit by signing a five-year deal this summer. He was linked with the likes of perennial Serie A champions Juventus ahead of the new season, with the Old Lady eyeing up potential replacements for the coveted Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, but only has his sights set on winning a league title with Roma.

“I’m delighted – this is what I wanted. I think the club is happy too. We both took a step towards each other and we found the best solution for all parties. I’m delighted to have extended my stay at this club. I’ll do everything I can for this shirt to repay Roma for the faith they’ve shown in me. My aims for this year? I hope to finally win the Scudetto or, if not, at least another trophy,” he said on the club’s website.

The 27-year-old’s joined Roma in 2014 from Cagliari, but made a positive impact in the midfield due to his industrious and spirited displays. Nainggolan made 35 league appearances for the runners-up, scoring and creating seven goals in total. A combative player in the middle of the park, the Roma man average a tackle or interception every 22 minutes.

But it’s not just defensively where he shines. Nainggolan made 36 chances and 40 successful dribbles in the division to help the side at the other end of the pitch. Such antics led to the attentions of the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United in the Premier League, and he’s viewed by manager Rudi Garcia as a key component to help push the side to glory next season.

Radja Nainggolan has plenty of years ahead of him for the Giallorossi, and the club hierarchy are expecting the midfielder to see out the duration of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico. With Roma having finishing second in the table for the last two seasons, winning the title in 2015/16 is the sole objective. They threatened to contend in the early months of the previous campaign, before a slum in form completely halted their progress.

But now they don’t need to worry about the future of such an important player, it will be a huge boost to the players and staff for the upcoming campaign. Nainggolan has been afforded a lengthy rest this summer due to their being no major international tournament for Belgium, which could see him perform to an even higher level for Roma.

Will Michael Carrick be a bit-part player for Manchester United next season?

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Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin looks set to follow Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger into Old Trafford this summer, with the French international reportedly undergoing a medical this week. He’d be the Red Devils’ fourth signing this summer, and could well be replacing existing midfielder Michael Carrick from the starting lineup next season.

The former Tottenham player has been a terrific servant for Manchester United down the years, but isn’t getting any younger. Carrick turns 34 this summer, and has struggled with injury problems and inconsistent form that no longer makes him the influential player he once was for United. Manager Louis van Gaal has two talented midfielders coming into the side in Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin, and alongside the impressive Ander Herrera, it’s hard to see where Carrick would fit in.

While never a pacey player, the England international has had to be tactically disciplined in his positioning to ensure he’s not being caught out in the midfield, but the two new arrivals are much more industrious, and will actively press the ball a lot higher up the pitch. It means United’s attacking ethos will come into play again as they have talented central players putting the pressure on their opposition in the final third, rather than inviting attacks onto themselves.

Last season, Carrick made only 16 Premier League starts, the first of which came in November. He suffered a total of three separate injuries keeping him out for a matter of weeks each time, and as a result, Van Gaal can no longer rely on the midfielder over the course of an entire season. It’s likely the veteran will still feature for United if the form of Herrera, Schweinsteiger or Schneiderlin was to diminish, but Carrick doesn’t appear to be in the manager’s reckoning for a starting place.

There’s even extra competition from the versatile Daley Blind, who played a number of games in the midfield. He’s likely to be subsidiary for United next season due to the elite talent now ahead of him in the pecking, but it’s another player Carrick is competiting with for minutes on the pitch. It’s a sign of how strong Manchester United are becoming when a player so important in the past can no longer command a starting place, and evidence that the Red Devils could be a force again in the new season.

So will Michael Carrick be a bit-part player for Manchester United next season?

Chelsea winning the race to sign out-of-favour Barcelona forward Pedro

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According to various reports, Chelsea are in the driving seat to sign long-serving Barcelona forward Pedro Rodriguez this summer in a deal worth around £21.6M (€30M). The Spanish international is considering his future with the Catalans as a result of a lack of playing time, and the chance to renew acquaintances with a host of international teammates could be the deciding factor that convincing Pedro to agree personal terms.

With the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez forming such a potent attack for Barcelona in the last campaign, Pedro just hasn’t been able to force his way into the team on a regular basis. He spent large parts of 2014/15 as an impact substitute, and this summer has been pondering a permanent switch for the sake of his fledgling career.

Chelsea are an attractive proposition, not least due to the Spaniards (Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa and Cesar Azpilicueta) at the club, but with the Blues coming off the back of a Premier League title and Capital One Cup triumph. Arsenal had looked for a long time to be the preferred destination for Pedro Rodriguez, as their playing style would sync perfectly with the 27-year-old, but Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Fabregas are both alleged to have convinced him into choosing Stamford Bridge as his next home.

Pedro is an industrious player, who also boast high levels of pace, flair and creativity going forward. The Spaniard can play on either flank, and provides both goals and assists from the wide areas. Given how impressive Hazard & Willian were for the Blues last season, and with Juan Cuadrado also another wide option for the new campaign, Pedro wouldn’t be guaranteed a first-team spot immediately.

He would only leave the treble-winners this summer on the basis of being a regular in the starting lineup for his new club, which is why Arsenal had looked to be the most ideal destination for him. However, the chances of future success are certainly greater under Mourinho at present, more so than the like of Arsenal and another suitor in Liverpool. It’s unlikely any deal will be completed in the coming days, so Pedro has time to mull over his options before coming to a final decision.

Barcelona are still keen to keep him, however. The forward is held in high regard with the Spaniards, and is still deemed a useful cog in the operation, even if he’s no longer commanding a starting place. There’s a good chance he could stay to the Nou Camp if he’s not entirely convinced to move to England, so Chelsea would do well to make Pedro theirs this summer.

Are Juventus wasting their time eyeing up Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil?

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Champions League runners-up Juventus are reportedly keen on signing Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil this summer, with the Italian outfit looking to bolster their attack in case they lose both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal. The 26-year-old enjoyed his best form at the Emirates in the second-half of last season, and has made no public desire to leave the Gunners, so are Juventus wasting their time?

Arsenal spent £42.5M to prise the World Cup winner away from Real Madrid in 2013/14, where he has overcome a poor debut season to be held in high regard. Reports have suggested he will be the club’s No.10 for the new campaign, with manager Arsene Wenger wanting to make him the fulcrum of the team due to his creativity on the ball, so Juventus appear to be barking up the wrong tree.

The Italians are somewhat panicking this summer due to a large exodus already underway, which is why they’ve targeted a creative playmaker. Despite an impressive season that saw them winning the domestic league and cup double, while finishing runners-up in the Champions League final, Juventus have already lost  a number of players from their attack, and are desperate to replace them with quality.

Influential midfielder Andrea Pirlo has left for the MLS and striker Carlos Tevez rejoined former side Boca Juniors, so manager Massimiliano Allegri has already lost assists and goals respectively. Midfielders Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal could be following the aforementioned duo out of the club this summer too, but a player like Ozil coming through the doors would somewhat soften the blow.

It’s easy to see why Juventus are keen, as they are looking for a player with the vision of the departed Pirlo, and the Arsenal man certainly has shown he belongs in such company. Ozil scored and assisted nine goals in 21 league starts last season, creating 69 chances. Juventus has bolstered their firepower in attack, and a midfielder like Ozil playing in behind could be the difference.

However, Arsenal really don’t want to sell their German playmaker, and would demand no less than £35M for his services. Such a fee could be paid from the sale of Pogba & Vidal, with astronomical figures being slapped on their heads, but do the Italians stand a chance in getting their man? Ozil has plenty of years ahead of him, while impressing in the last few months of the past season, so an exit would come as a real shock this summer. Are Juventus wasting their time? Who should they look to sign this summer?

Could Manchester United win the Premier League with Bayern’s Bastian Schweinsteiger?

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Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger this summer, with the German international keen on renewing acquaintances with his former manager Louis van Gaal. United have been busy in the summer transfer window in a bid to challenge for the 2015/16 Premier League title, so could Schweinsteiger lead them to glory?

The Red Devils finished 4th in the division last season in Van Gaal’s debut campaign. The Dutch boss targeted winning the title in one of his three years at Old Trafford, and he’s been actively building a side strong enough to contend Schweinsteiger would be a real statement of intent, especially with the likes of Memphis Depay a United player for next season.

Injuries early into 2014/15 saw the Premier League hopefuls struggle for form, but they had two impressive winning streaks in November/December & February/April that will convince the manager and supporters that the can challenge the sides at the top. Bastian Schweinsteiger’s CV is very impressive – boasting eight league titles, seven DFB-Pokals, one Champions League, and six more minor trophies -  and it’s such winning credentials that could help turn Manchester United back into champions.

The 30-year-old only made 15 league starts last season, and witnessed another failed Champions League campaign under manager Pep Guardiola, but he performed well when called upon. Injuries limited his game time in the previous campaign, and quotes made from the Bayern president Karl Heinz Rummenigge hinted that the long-serving midfielder had been considering his future after learning of United‘s interest.

“I was on the phone with Bastian Schweinsteiger on vacation. We will meet when he’s back. I make no bones about the fact that I have been heard in this conversation that he is flattered by the interest from England,” he said. The German international has just 12 months on his deal with the perennial Bundesliga champions, which leaves Bayern Munich with a decision to make; either they cash in on him now, or risk losing him for nothing the following summer.

Playing in the Premier League is something that has always fascinated the experienced and industrious midfielder, and now he has the chance under a former manager if he can agree terms with United. He would slot straight into their side too, with the ageing Michael Carrick likely to be the one making way for the 111-cap man.

Could Manchester United win the Premier League title with Bayern Munich’s Bastian Schweinsteiger?

Have AC Milan made a mistake retaining Philippe Mexes?

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AC Milan announced they have reached an agreement with defender Philippe Mexes over a one-year contract extension this summer, with a club statement revealing the French international will remain at the Rossoneri until the summer of 2016. It’s come as a surprise given how poor his campaign went with the Italian Serie A side last season, so have Milan made a mistake?

Mexes, 33, had a stop-start season, making only 18 league starts for the Italians. He missed four games through suspension, and spent the remaining weeks of the campaign in and out of the side. He was bench duty up until early November, with former manager Filippo Inzaghi keeping him as an unused substitute, and he somewhat disappointed on his return.

The former Auxerre and AS Roma centre-back was guilty of indiscipline, picking up a total of nine yellow cards and one red card, while making 32 fouls from 40 tackles. He was said to have been a negative influence in the dressing room too, frequently having fallings out with players in the squad, not let the managers, and it was expected that he would be released at the end of his contract this summer.

New manager Sinisa Mihajlovic has opted to make a U-turn, however, and wants to keep Mexes for the new season, perhaps believes his experience can be a positive for the players in the squad, but he is a hard man to manage. His behaviour on and off the pitch hasn’t improved with age, and with Milan struggling over the last two seasons, many felt an large summer exodus was the remedy to flush away the negativity in the camp.

Milan finished 8th in the Serie A in 2013/14, and endured an even worse campaign last season (10th). The club have bolstered their attack this summer in a bid to move up the table, but their defence has long been an issue, with the Rossoneri having leaked 99 goals in the last two league seasons.

The new deal for Mexes also comes after Milan sold defender Adil Rami to Spanish La Liga side Sevilla this summer, so they were short on options, but it’s certainly a gamble by the new boss. Given how frequently managers have been sacked by the Rossoneri in recent years, Mihajlovic has certainly undertaken a big risk ahead of the new season. It’s unknown if Mexes will play a regular role in the starting eleven, but he now he another 12 months on his deal regardless.

Have AC Milan made a mistake renewing Philippe Mexes’ deal?

Is it time for Liverpool to let Raheem Sterling finally leave?

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Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling has reportedly told manager Brendan Rodgers that he no longer wants to play for the Merseysiders, and wasn‘t present at training today. The England international, 20, held talks with the ex-Swansea City boss to once again reiterate his desire to leave, and more specifically had no desire to play under Rodgers at Anfield.

The club have denied the allegations, but Sterling has since missed training and has requested he not be selected to go on pre-season tour to Australia and the Far East with the Reds. The former Queens Park Rangers winger is trying everything in his power to force a move away this summer, but Liverpool have already turned down two lucrative bids from Manchester City worth around £35M & £40M respectively.

While Sterling remains part of the club, Liverpool have already spent some of his prospective money on a replacement. Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino was brought in this summer for around £30M, and operates in largely the same positions as his English counterpart. The Reds have also recruited the likes of James Milner and Danny Ings to further bolster their midfield and attack.

Regardless of whether or not Liverpool see Sterling as part of their plans for the future, they now have a decision to make on whether to actively offer him out to be compensated or his services, or to stick to their guns and persuade him to commit to an extended contract. The youngster still has two years left on his deal with the Premier League outfit, so the ball is still in Liverpool’s court. They wont want to lose him for nothing, and have time somewhat on their side to hash out his immediate future.

He had an indifferent last season for the Merseysiders, scoring and assisting 14 goals in 35 Premier League appearances, while making 75 chances and over 100 successful dribbles. He showed his quality for Liverpool throughout the season, but the cons have since outweighed the pros following his conduct. His asking price will diminish every minute as Sterling’s actions are leaving the club with no choice but to let him go.

It would be hard to see how the 20-year-old can resurrect his fractured relationship with the club now, but former teammate Luis Suarez made a U-turn on a transfer request in the summer of 2013 to almost lead the side to Premier League glory the following season. Supporters will be tired of seeing Sterling dominate the headlines, and will be desperate for the club to part ways with him so they can attempt to move forward.

Can Phil Neville become a successful manager in the future?

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Former Manchester United coach Phil Neville has been recently appointed assistant manager at Spanish La Liga side Valencia, and revealed he wants to become a manager in his own right in the future. The ex-England international boasts an impressive CV, with a multitude of major trophies earned as a player at Manchester United, and experience coaching with the Red Devils after his retirement.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I’m young in terms of coaching experience and this is the final step on the (coaching) ladder, in terms of learning another culture. I’ve coached at Manchester United, I’m doing my Uefa Pro-Licence and now this is a bonus. When you have reached the heights that Valencia did last season, it’s important to keep moving forward. It’s a good, young, hungry team with a brilliant young manager,” he said upon taking the role as Nuno’s No.2.

While his brother Gary is more renown with the masses due to his work on Sky Sports and with the England national team, Phil has often slipped under the radar. The 38-year-old is highly-rated among his peers, and none more so than the man he will be working directly alongside.

Nuno said of Neville: “”He has knowledge and values that fit perfectly with our team and our club. He has always been a team player, and our philosophy is based on teamwork. We are – and want to continue to be – a group. I am convinced that he is going to help us a lot.”

Nuno isn’t wrong either, Neville has teamwork engrained in his own philosophy from his time with Manchester United and Everton. His professionalism was further highlighted by former United & Everton manager David Moyes, who called Neville the best player he’s ever worked with. He’s ambitious, and should be a positve influence on a side who are coming off the back of an incredible league campaign.

Valencia finished just one point behind the likes of Atletico Madrid in the table last season, and have a Champions League qualifier to book their place in the group stages. Los Che want to build on their fourth-placed finish in 2014/15, so Neville’s influence alongside Nuno will be to shore up the defence, and help make the players more tactically aware. It’s a big job, but one Neville admitted he couldn’t turn down this summer, and he’s hoping it will prep him for when he eventually becomes a manager.

Who is Manchester United’s target Matteo Darmian?

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Manchester United are reportedly close to signing Torino defender Matteo Darmian this summer for around £13M, with manager Louis van Gaal planning to make him his first-choice right-back for the new campaign. The 25-year-old isn’t too well known outside of Italy, but he has been making waves for his side in the last couple of seasons.

Darmian has shone in the Europa League over the past 12 months for the Italians, and he represented his country in the 2014 World Cup and a host of following friendlies. He’s highly-rated in the Serie A, let alone with his side Torino, with president Urban Cairo having said of the speculation: “Offers have arrived. Darmian is an extraordinary player who will want to try and win the Champions League one day.”

His career started at AC Milan, but he failed to make a name for himself with the Rossoneri. Darmian was a late bloomer in regard to hid development, with spells at Palermo and Padova (loan) not seeing him showcase his true potential. It wasn’t until his 2011 move to Torino that the 25-year-old came into his own, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Last season, the Italian right-back made 33 Serie A appearances for Torino, scoring and creating three goals, while averaging a tackle or interception every 21 minutes. Darmian created 39 chances and made 27 successful dribbles too. He’s been identified as Van Gaal as the perfect candidate to replace Rafael da Silva and Antonio Valencia at right-back for the long-term, but is attracting interest from others.

A versatile player, Darmian can play in any position across the back-four, and has operated in every position in midfield too, so he’s a useful utility star if needs be. And are £13M, he’s not breaking the bank for Manchester United. He’s not the big-name supporters were expecting when the likes of Daniel Alves (Barcelona) and Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton) were linked with the Red Devils, but he is a talented defender who will ensure he nullifies the threat of the opposition.

Described as a optionally-aware full back with excessive pace, it’s clear the Manchester United boss wants his defence shored up for the new season, and Darmian could be the man to help. He provides an outlet on the right-hand side when attacking, but can also stop his man in one-on-one situations – something Valencia failed to do last season as he wasn’t a natural fullback. And with Rafael courting interest, his sale could go towards funding this potential transfer.

Arsenal should stop at nothing to sign Barcelona forward Pedro this summer

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Arsenal have been linked with long-serving Barcelona player Pedro Rodriguez this summer, with the Gunners monitoring his situation with the Catalans. The Spanish international has been on the periphery for the last two years, and last season had the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez keeping him on the bench. His chances of game time don’t look likely of improving in 2015/16, which sees a host of European sides on red alert to secure his signature.

Despite being reduced to an impact player, Barcelona have no immediate plans to let their long-serving academy starlet leave this summer, nor has Pedro made a public request to exit the Nou Camp. However, he might be convinced to play a starring role in the Arsenal attack alongside a former club teammate in Alexis Sanchez, an international teammate in Santi Cazorla, and a long-term La Liga foe in Mesut Ozil.

Arsenal have brought in stellar names in the last two summer transfer windows to the surprise of their supporters, and Pedro would more than add to what they have. It takes a talented individual to last so long at a club that has seen the likes of Ronaldinho, David Villa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic brought in and subsequently moved on. Barcelona have the best strike force in the world, so it’s hardly surprising Pedro cannot force his way into the starting eleven on a regular basis.

Despite the lack of game time last season, the Spanish international still scored and created 12 goals in 15 league starts. He has excessive pace, a deft touch on the ball, and quick feet to ghost past defenders. Wenger would be licking his lips at the prospect of having such an experienced and successful player to operate on the opposite flank to Alexis Sanchez, and he wouldn’t break the bank either. The majority of Pedro’s appearances came from the bench, and he only featured so much from the starting eleven because Luis Suarez was banned from playing until October last year.

The Uruguayan formed a formidable partnership with Messi & Neymar that yielded over 120 goals last season, so manager Luis Enrique is unlikely to alter the attack ahead of the new season. Pedro has a lot to ponder this summer, and Arsenal play in a similar mould to Barcelona so he should settle at the Emirates quite quickly. Arsenal have been moving forward with some impressive acquisitions in the summer transfer markets (Mesut Ozil in 2013, Alexis Sanchez in 2014, Petr Cech in 2015), and Pedro’s influence could well see more stars follow him through the door in the future.

Is Arda Turan really a Barcelona-type of player?

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Barcelona have signed Atletico Madrid midfielder Arda Turan on a five-year deal to the surprise of many given the contrast in philosophy of the club and player. He’s allegedly been a target for the Spaniards for some time, and the interim hierarchy secured his signature before the new club president is unveiled.

Turan was part of the Atleti side that won the 2013/14 La Liga title, and finished runner-up in the Champions League the same season.  The Turkish international, 28, cannot play for the Catalans until 2016 due to a transfer embargo, but was still willing to make the switch from the Vicente Calderon to the Nou Camp regardless.

The midfielder’s motives are obvious; Barcelona are coming off the back of having won the treble (La Liga, Champions League, Copa Del Rey), while Atletico Madrid are falling further behind to their fellow Spaniards as well as fierce rivals Real Madrid. Turan acknowledged his best chance of future success lies in a Barcelona shirt, but why the Catalans have signed a player of his ilk is unknown.

Barcelona have long operated with a philosophy of attractive attacking football with high levels of ball retention. It’s a style of play that has seen the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Luis Figo grace the Nou Camp, but a player like Turan would be the odd one out in their current squad.

He has been impressive for Atletico Madrid in the last 12 months, but not particularly outstanding. Given they have recently parted company with the likes of Xavi, Turan is hardly the replacement supporters would have been expecting. The Turkish international is a more robust player, with his best attributes being strength and industry, rather than finesse and creativity.

It’s unknown how much of a say manager Luis Enrique has had in the transfer, as Arda Turan doesn’t appear to be a player that would normally be on Barcelona’s radar. The Barcelona head coach even admitted earlier this summer that his future was undecided with the club, and his words could be based upon his influence in the transfer market.

It’s a near impossible task to improve upon near-perfection, so Barcelona were always going to be under pressure to build on their past treble-winning antics. However, Turan’s arrival on a long-term deal sees many scratching their head as to where he will fit in the side, and how Barcelona will incorporate him in their style for next season. The 28-year-old won’t be able to play until midway through the next campaign either.

Have Barcelona made a mistake in signing Arda Turan?

Manchester United’s Robin van Persie set for surprise Fenerbahce move

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Manchester United striker Robin van Persie appears set to join Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce this summer, with reports suggesting that his agent Kees Vos had been in Istanbul for two days discussing terms of the transfer. It would end a 10-year association in England for the Dutch international, and sees him exiting Old Trafford off the back of a miserable two years.

While the striker leaving Manchester United this summer was largely expected, his next destination is  a surprise to many given the interest in Europe. A host of clubs from the Italian Serie A were keen on his signature, and Van Persie’s ageing limbs would surely suit the slower- paced division perfectly. But Fenerbahce’s financial muscle sees them capturing a talented striker who should still have many years left of a career.

Van Persie, 31, has endured high and lows at Manchester United since his £22M move from Arsenal back in 2012. He was outstanding in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, leading the Red Devils to the Premier League title, but has since fallen down the pecking order at the club, and now manager Louis van Gaal considers him surplus to requirements. He scored just three goals in 2015 for United, and endured another injury-hit campaign.

The former Arsenal hitman netted more league goals in his first season at Old Trafford than he has in the two following seasons combined, and his overall performances were a cause for concern. He failed to strike up a partnership with the equally disappointing Radamel Falcao under their new manager, and both strikers have now been let go.

Fenerbahce are embarking upon a big gamble, with reports suggesting the Turkish outfit are tying the injury-prone Van Persie down for four years. His record at Arsenal (274 games, 131 goals) and Manchester United (105 games, 58 goals) is impressive, but it’s believed his best days are now behind him. And given how much he’s struggled staying fit for a campaign, it’s unlikely he will be a regular by the end of his contract.

For a player who has shown such quality in his pomp, leaving Old Trafford for Fenerbahce is not the way he perhaps envisioned bowing out of the club, but Robin van Persie is now set for a new chapter in his career, and Manchester United are moving in a different direction. Why he was virtually unopposed to join Fenerbahce is a question many sides will be asking, but his high wage demands are likely to have been a factor.

Erik Lamela considering reviving his career back in Italy

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Tottenham Hotspur winger Erik Lamela has endured a tricky time in the Premier League since his move from AS Roma in 2013, and the Argentine international could make a return to the Italian Serie A this summer in a bid to reignite his fledgling career. Juventus are one side who have been linked, but Lamela still has plans to stay at White Hart Lane.

Costing Spurs almost £30M, he 23-year-old hasn’t come close to paying off the princely sum. The Argentine has struggled for game time as a result of his poor form, and cannot replicate his Roma showings in a Tottenham shirt. The supporters have been treated to the odd glimpse of magic from Lamela, but such moments have been few and far between during his time in London.

Should Tottenham cash in on the winger this summer, its unlikely they would get back anything more than half of what they’d originally paid for him two years ago. Despite Lamela’s reticence to leave White Hart Lane, the London side have little choice but to search for interested suitors given how much he’s struggled in England, but it’s so far proven to be slim pickings.

The 23-year-old has scored just six goals in 63 appearances for the Lilywhites, and last season was in the shadows to the likes of Nacer Chadli, who cost less than half Lamela’s initial fee. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has tried to condition him to unlock his best form, but the ex-Roma starlet just hasn’t found any consistency since making the move.

He would attract a lot of abroad interest, however, with his scoring antics back in Italy ensuring clubs are paying a loose interest. Lamela scored 15 goals in 33 Serie A games in 2012/13 for Roma, which propelled his reputation at the time, and it was something of a surprise that he chose Tottenham for his next club as a result. He must be regretting the decision now, and surely a move back in the Serie A would be his wisest decision?

Prior to the White Hart Lane switch, the South American winger was regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, but now sees his stock considerably diminished. For such a big outlay, Tottenham were expecting a standout star to boost their chances of Champions League participation, but instead they have an expensive flop proving hard to shift this summer, while they finish some distance from the coveted top-four.

Nani’s stay in the Premier League looks to be finally over

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Manchester United winger Luis Nani is reportedly set to sign for Fenerbahce this summer, according to the club in question. The Turkish Super Lig side said on their official Twitter account: “Fenerbahce has begun talks with Luis Nani and his club Manchester United to transfer the player. Nani will be in Istanbul on Sunday for a medical check up.”

Should the deal go through as expected, it would end an eight-year association at Old Trafford for the Portuguese international, and caps a bittersweet career with the Red Devils. Nani promised so much in his time at the club, showcasing quick-feet, an eye for goal, while bursting with creativity. However, he failed to remain consistent, and saw his stock plummet.

The last three seasons of his career with Manchester United have seen Nani make just 23 league appearances in total. He spent the 2014/15 campaign on loan with boyhood club Sporting CP, and enjoyed good form back in his native Portugal, but it wasn’t enough to earn him a place in the United team. New manager Louis van Gaal was quick to dismiss a number of long-serving stars, and Nani’s exit will come as a relief to the majority.

He’s struggled with the Premier League giants for many years, and admitted his loan move away was a positive change from the negativity of a fledging career in England. However, Sporting didn’t appear to have the money to sign Nani on a permanent deal, and Turkish title-chasers Fenerbahce are expected to be the 28-year-old’s next destination for the new season.

Nani’s impressive form while out on loan did threaten to see a reprieve, however, with Van Gaal admitting back in April that he was paying close attention to how his players were getting on with their new clubs. He said at the time: “We also think about the scouting of our own players, and then we have to analyse their performances, so it’s a lot of work. It’s not only the present season but also what we have to decide for players next season.”

But the expensive Portugal winger wasn’t deemed worth keeping, with Manchester United likely to use his funds for a host of summer signings. With the likes of Angel Di Maria, Juan Mata and Ashley Young all playing a role in the side’s top-four success, Nani had a task to force his way back into the team. He’s finally leaving the club, but hardly onto greener pastures in Turkey.

Manchester United-target Ilkay Gundogan commits future to Borussia Dortmund

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Manchester United-target Ilkay Gundogan commits future to Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has ended speculation about his future by signing a new deal with the German Bundesliga side this summer. The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United ahead of the new season, but recently revealed his delight to be staying on at the Westfalenstadion, and plans to replicate past success in a Dortmund shirt.

“The first days of pre-season are over and it’s been fun to work with the coaches and my team-mates. I’m happy that we finally have clarity and I can continue playing football for Borussia Dortmund. I’ll turn my focus immediately to preparation – in August we want to attack fully again,” he said to the club’s official website.

Gundogan was being courted by Manchester United for the last 12 months, with manager Louis van Gaal looking to bolster his midfield with stellar European talent. The Dortmund man is highly-rated, and played a key role in the side that won the 2011/12 Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal. He’s industrious, comfortable on the ball, and has a good eye for a pass too.

Manchester United paid the most interest in his signature, but the  midfielder wasn’t without his suitors. Under former manager Jurgen Klopp Gundogan was regarded among the best of his kind, but his stock somewhat diminished last season with Dortmund struggling for long periods in the Bundesliga. He’s had problems with injuries too, missing virtually the entire 2013/14 season, so United knew they weren’t getting the player of the past.

Nevertheless, he’s shown glimpses of real quality, and the German side were very keen to keep him as a result. BVB have continued to see their best players stolen every summer due to the financial muscle of Europe’s heavyweights, so for Gundogan to extend his deal at the Westfalenstadion could be decisive in getting the club back to the upper reaches of the table.

The side’s sporting director Michael Zorc said: “We’re pleased that Ilkay will continue to play for Borussia Dortmund. I’m confident that he will play his part so that we can reach our sporting goals.” It shows how his decision to stay affects the whole team on and off the pitch.

Dortmund have lost so many key players over the years, but the solidarity Gundogan has shown could ensure fellow existing talents follow him in extending their stay too. Manchester United will now have to look at other potential targets, with Bayern Munich Bastian Schweinsteiger reportedly weighing up a move to Old Trafford this summer.